YeGodsandLittleFishies
Jesus spent time with all sorts of people considered social outcasts and “spiritually unclean” including tax collectors, lepers, prostitutes, those possessed by demons, Samaritans, adulterers and criminals.
Well, that was Jesus, who as well as being all man, was all God. Many human beings are not as clear-sighted or as strong-willed. You are all assuming that this break in the friendship is due to some decree or advice from the church leadership. It may just be because a new Christian recognises that hanging out with her old friends is likely to lead to her falling into sin, because of the culture of that group. If, for example, she knows that going clubbing will likely lead to excessive alcohol consumption, reduced inhibitions and copping off with some random, it’s best to steer clear.
It may also just be that she no longer has space in her life for old friends, especially if they can’t bond over the same things. There may be a lot of church groups and activities, including social groups and events that she needs to fit into the week. Add in time for daily devotionals and she could be really stretched thin time-wise. It’s a common tale on Mumsnet. People often struggle to give friendships the time they need and when the bonding situation ceases, like the kids go off to secondary school or one person leaves the workplace, the friendship withers. But mention church or Christian on Mumsnet and the story immediately changes to ‘cult’.
Most churches don’t ask people to cut off old friends or acquaintances, even the ones Mumsnetters call ‘fundamentalist’. They tend to be all about spreading the good news of the gospel, which is challenging, but easier to do in a meaningful way with people you already know than with strangers. Your life is meant to be a witness to the soundness of your new beliefs.